U20 AFCON: Nigeria await as Kenya coach warns of one big problem

Ahead of their showdown against Nigeria, Kenya U20 head coach Anthony Akhulia has opened up on the challenges plaguing his Rising Stars side at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cairo, Soccernet.ng reports.

Kenya have endured a disappointing start to their Group B campaign, falling to back-to-back defeats — 3-2 to Morocco and 3-1 against Tunisia.

Their final group game against Nigeria on Wednesday now represents a last-ditch opportunity to remain in the tournament, with only a convincing win offering any hope of qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.

How group B shapes up after today's results. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/8maIcOUzbB

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 4, 2025

Nigeria, meanwhile, sit on four points after edging Tunisia 1-0 in their opener and settling for a goalless draw against Morocco. The Flying Eagles need just a point to secure passage into the quarter-finals.

But for Akhulia’s side, the road has been much bumpier. After another promising start against Tunisia — taking the lead through Lawrence Okoth — they once again faltered, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser before collapsing in the second half.

U20 AFCON: Nigeria await as Kenya coach warns of one big problem

Speaking after the defeat at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium, Akhulia expressed concern over repeated mental lapses from his players.

“We’re having lapses in concentration towards the end of the first half. It happened again, just like in the first match,” the Bidco United coach admitted as per Mozzart Sport.

“Basically, I think there were moments we were supposed to rise, but we let Tunisia take control of the match. That was our biggest letdown.”

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HIGHLIGHTS: 3-1

Down early, but not for long, Tunisia roar back to claim the win.#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #TUNKEN pic.twitter.com/klm4K5Vk36

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 4, 2025

Akhulia also pointed to issues across the pitch, noting his side looked off the pace compared to their first outing.

“Comparing this to our first match, I think we didn’t play well,” he said.

“We were a bit slow in our movement, our midfield didn’t click that much, and our defense was again caught up in areas that we couldn’t defend well. It wasn’t a good match for us.”

The Rising Stars now hold the unwanted distinction of being the team with the worst defensive record in the tournament, having shipped six goals in two matches.

“It’s not right,” Akhulia said.

“It's a team problem. You can’t single out individuals. It’s something we need to work on before we face our next opponent. It is a concern for me, and our technical bench.”

With zero points from two games, Kenya sit bottom of Group B. They must beat Nigeria and hope for favourable results elsewhere to sneak into the quarter-finals as one of the two best third-placed teams.